This week is all about the Relay For Life. Like any other weekend event, the entire community is invited to take part.

There is a serious focus on cancer survivors, but it has to be known that Camp Verde’s efforts are just as much about those who have died as it is about those who have lived.

One would be hard-pressed to find someone whose life hasn’t been affected by this dreaded disease, whether they have fought the killer themselves or had a friend or loved one who faced that battle, said Latahna Fulton, Camp Verde Relay For Life co-chairwoman.

Relay For Life was started in 1985 in Tacoma, Wash., by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a man who had seen cancer take the lives of far too many patients. He spent 24 hours walking around a track nonstop with friends and supporters.

Klatt, just one man, raised $27,000 that day for cancer research. Today, Relay For Life is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and takes place in more than 5,000 communities across the country.

In Camp Verde, it is an event that needs everyone to participate. While there are people who are stepping up to march against cancer, cancer isn’t a prerequisite to participate.

In fact, everyone is welcome. In many ways, the event is no different from any other town festival, in that it needs people who are ready to celebrate. The DJ on site should be able to help convince others, along with three bands.

Several people in town have bought luminaria. Each luminaria represents a survivor or a friend or loved one whose life has been lost. The luminaria ceremony is a stark reminder of why those who raise money for cancer do what they do.

The Luminaria Ceremony is at 8:30 p.m. with raffle drawings to follow. The dinner for every survivor of cancer, and that includes anyone who has been diagnosed, is set for 5 p.m.

There will be entertainment and shopping for those who aren’t spending the night. It’s just like any other celebration, except that all proceeds go to fighting off the world’s No. 1 killer.

Camp Verde’s Relay For Life is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11, overnight on the field behind the town government complex. For more information, visit CVRelay.org.